USMNT Embracing Competitors to Impress Pochettino

The U.S. Men’s National Team September friendlies permit head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his workers an opportunity to take a deeper take a look at the participant pool earlier than solidifying the core of the group that can play within the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After the roster announcement, Pochettino mentioned no positions had been locked down and there was a plan for each participant main into subsequent summer season. Everyone must compete for a coveted World Cup roster spot.

“With Mauricio coming in, the objective was clear that he wanted to bring the group forward,” ahead Folarin Balogun mentioned. “As players, it’s no surprise for us to be competing for places and positions. I think it’s something we’ve done all our careers. Everyone wants to make an impression, and I think that’s just natural. A big competition is coming in 10 months; it’s important to leave your mark.”

Now, as gamers are embedded in camp in New Jersey forward of matches towards Korea Republic (Sept. 6) and Japan (Sept. 9), it’s as much as them to benefit from it.

“It’s these opportunities we’ve been waiting for,” ahead Alex Zendejas mentioned. “I feel like it all depends on us, on how we were at our clubs to be able to get these opportunities and also make the most of it when we come into camp.”

Zendejas has been ready for his second since final fall. He final performed for USMNT proper after Pochettino took over as head coach. The winger subbed on in Pochettino’s first 4 matches. Last season for Club América, he tallied 12 targets throughout all competitions. Zendejas spent his time away from the National Team working tougher to get the decision once more.

Pochettino known as up seven gamers who haven’t been in National Team camp since at the very least 2024. That consists of goalkeepers Roman Celentano, Jonathan Klinsmann and defenders Tristan Blackmon, who’re all uncapped however have participated in earlier camps.

Some earned a roster spot after a niche, whereas others are returning after damage. Balogun is among the many latter. This is Balogun’s first official camp underneath Pochettino after he sustained an ankle damage and was changed on the roster this previous summer season. The striker mentioned he has been embraced by the teaching workers in his first impressions with them.

“I knew the priority for me is to be healthy,” Balogun mentioned. “You can’t do much if you’re not on the field. I do believe that I’m in good shape and in a good way. It’s something I’ve been doing all my career, fighting for my position.”

Zendejas joins Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, two of probably the most capped gamers on the roster, as wingers on this camp. Meanwhile, Balogun has a chance to indicate his ability on the striker place, as do Damion Downs and Josh Sargent.

Just as those that haven’t been in camp for a stretch, Concacaf Gold Cup starters like goalkeeper Matt Freese and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter — who got here into this summer season uncapped — even have the ripe alternative to make an impression.

The USMNT held its first workforce assembly on Tuesday as gamers reported for camp early this week. The message about competitors was clear from Pochettino.

“He definitely let us know that there are a bunch of people that do deserve to be here as well, and that he wants to be able to see everyone, so we each fairly get the chance,” Zendejas mentioned. “At the end of the day, it all depends on us and how we respond to those opportunities that are given to us.”